AGP Executive Report

Kansas Elections Filing Deadline: The Aug. 4 primary field is taking shape after Kansas’ candidate filing deadline, with multiple House races drawing new challengers and Shawnee County Commission District 1 getting three candidates: Cooper Melvin (D), Jack Calcutt (R), and Lance Royer (D). Gubernatorial Race Shake-Up: Former Gov. Jeff Colyer ended his 2026 bid after Trump backed Senate President Ty Masterson; Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog also jumped in late for the Democratic nomination. Local Governance & Public Safety: Park City opted into extended alcohol sales during the 2026 World Cup, aiming for late-night business while keeping rules tight; Los Angeles officials meanwhile warned “bad choices could land you a red card” as World Cup safety plans roll out. Statehouse Watch: Kansas Supreme Court selection reform is back on the radar with events urging voters to keep the court above politics ahead of the Aug. 4 ballot amendment. Agriculture & Economy: Kansas ended May with $703.8M in tax collections, 6.4% above estimate, while dairy continues growing—U.S. herd is the largest since mid-1993. Health & Justice: A Salina animal shelter leadership case heads to trial after charges tied to euthanasia practices; and a federal analysis scrutinized the “Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act” introduced by Rep. Kat Cammack.

Kansas Elections: Kansas’ online voter registration system went down over the weekend due to a statewide Department of Revenue outage, just ahead of the Monday noon deadline to change party affiliation—state officials say voters can still use a paper form. Kansas Politics & Federal Pressure: A commentary says the Trump administration is pressing for state voter information and election roll access despite court setbacks and no clear voter fraud. Local Democracy Outreach: Shawnee County Democrats held a “Democracy Tailgate” to let voters meet candidates one-on-one and ask unscripted questions. World Cup in Kansas City: Lionel Messi and Argentina arrived in Kansas City as the defending champions set up their World Cup base camp in the metro. Kansas City Transit: KC bus fares resumed after six years of free rides, with details on who qualifies for free or reduced fares. CPKC Labor: Canadian Pacific Kansas City said it will keep rail operations running across Canada as signals workers strike after contract talks broke down. Media & Elections: Scripps pulled 54 local stations from DIRECTV starting Sunday night, warning the blackout could disrupt voters and major sports coverage.

Election Systems: Kansas’ online voter registration system is down statewide due to a Department of Revenue outage, hitting voters right before the June 1 noon deadline to change party affiliation; officials say paper forms are still available. Courts & Democracy: A Kansas coalition of about 70 groups is urging voters to reject an Aug. 5 constitutional amendment that would replace merit selection of Kansas Supreme Court justices with general elections, arguing it would politicize the bench. Statehouse Politics: GOP Secretary of State Scott Schwab has filed to run for Kansas governor and named Rep. Ken Rahjes as his running mate, setting up a high-profile race focused on property taxes. Campaign Integrity: A Kansas Reflector report says a Schmidt campaign manager left a digital trail tied to websites attacking Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Adam Hamilton over child sex abuse handling. Public Safety Tech Debate: A Kansas legislator argues for license plate reader tools to fight trafficking, while emphasizing safeguards and limits. Local Government: Mulvane Marauders donated $15,000 to area charities, continuing a decade-plus record of community giving.

Rural Health Funding: Kansas health officials say KDHE awarded nearly $80M to strengthen rural care, including RPGP and Rural Emergency Hospital conversion grants under the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program, backing 39 organizations statewide. State Politics & Elections: Two candidates filed for Kansas House District 69—Miranda Bachman and Meagan Rico—as the June 1 deadline nears, while an opinion piece warns Kansas voting-law changes could backfire on Republicans by depressing turnout among rural and senior voters. Public Safety: Kansas City, Kansas police identified a homicide victim found in the roadway and took a person of interest into custody. Agriculture Legal Help: A reminder from Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services (KAMS) highlights free, confidential guidance for USDA-related disputes, appeals, credit issues, and farm foreclosures. World Cup Local Color: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup about two weeks away, Lawrence businesses are leaning into soccer fever as Kansas City prepares for host-city crowds.

Rural Health Funding: KDHE announced $79.1 million in grants across Kansas under the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program, including Regional Partnerships and Rural Emergency Hospital conversion funds—aimed at keeping care accessible in rural communities. Food Assistance Fallout: A new report says more than 10,000 Kansas children lost SNAP benefits after federal changes tied to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” raising fresh questions about how national policy hits local families. Attorney General Race: National Democrats are ramping up investment to beat Republican Kris Kobach in 2026, setting up a likely rematch with Democrat Chris Mann and signaling the race’s national stakes. Courtroom Politics in Focus: Kansas election and courts debates continue to swirl as coverage highlights the broader fight over proof-of-citizenship voter rules and what happens when courts strike down state requirements. Local Courts: Douglas County’s judge vacancy nomination process is moving forward, with nine candidates listed to replace retired Judge Sally Pokorny. Campaign Trail: Republican Scott Schwab named Rep. Ken Rahjes as his running mate for governor, emphasizing rural and Western Kansas priorities.

340B Lawsuits: Kansas hospital systems, including the University of Kansas Hospital Authority, are suing CVS and related pharmacy benefit managers over alleged diversion of about $250M in 340B savings meant for low-income patients. Election Law Watch: A federal judge in New Hampshire struck down the state’s anti-voter law and ordered easier citizenship proof for registration, a reminder of how election rules can get tied up in court. Kansas SNAP Impact: Kansas Appleseed says thousands of children have lost SNAP benefits after new federal work requirements and funding changes took effect. Rural Health Funding: KDHE announced nearly $80M in grants to strengthen rural care across Kansas through the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program. Kansas Politics—Campaign Trail: Scott Schwab named Rep. Ken Rahjes as his running mate for lieutenant governor, leaning into rural and agriculture priorities. Local Development: Osawatomie moved forward with a 500+ megawatt data center campus, pitching major tax revenue and jobs while residents raise concerns. Agriculture Help Line: KAMS highlighted free mediation and legal guidance for USDA-related farm and ranch disputes. Sports & Community: Kansas City’s World Cup consular center is taking shape for international visitors, with services appointment-only.

Kansas Politics & Courts: Kansas voters face approaching deadlines as new election rules take effect, while the Kansas Supreme Court remains a flashpoint as lawmakers push to keep it “above politics.” Food Assistance: A new report says nearly 22,000 Kansans have lost SNAP benefits since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including more than 10,000 Kansas children—raising summer hunger fears. Public Safety: A Jackson County offender is back in jail on new allegations, including multiple aggravated offender registration violations and criminal carry of a weapon by a convicted felon. Health & Pharma Oversight: Federal lawsuits allege CVS concealed diverted 340B reimbursements, with complaints filed in Kansas and other states as state attorneys general press oversight concerns. Education & Community: The Dole Institute of Politics at KU announced summer programming for America’s 250th anniversary, including public events tied to U.S. history. Local Human Interest: Lawrence adult education graduates were celebrated for resilience, with 29 earning Kansas Board of Regents diplomas via GED completion. World Cup in Kansas City: Argentina named Lionel Messi as captain for the 2026 squad; the team’s Kansas City base camp includes a local teen’s rehab at Children’s Mercy Sports Medicine Center.

Higher Ed Funding & Tuition: Five of six Kansas public universities are seeking in-state undergraduate tuition increases (3.5%–6%), while Emporia State is pushing to hold tuition steady another year as the Board of Regents absorbs 2026 legislative cuts. Public Health Emergency: Kansas lawmakers extended Gov. Laura Kelly’s hantavirus emergency through June 7 to cover the incubation window for three exposed residents being monitored after a cruise-related outbreak. Criminal Justice Costs: Kansas will raise statewide offender registration fees starting July 1, adding a $10 technology fee to fund a new KBI-managed system. Food Assistance Fallout: Kansas Appleseed says SNAP enrollment has dropped sharply since the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” leaving thousands of children without food aid. Courts & Due Process: The Kansas Supreme Court reversed a conviction tied to a protection order that was never issued, underscoring limits on what can be punished. Local Governance: Kingman County posted zoning and estate-court notices, including hearings on industrial and rural residential requests. Sports & Legal Watch: Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Rashee Rice is “moving forward” toward return after serving a 30-day jail sentence for violating probation.

Education Policy: A Kansas op-ed argues lawmakers are debating civics and personal finance without adding economics—the missing link for teaching choices, consequences, and how policy and personal budgets connect. First Amendment & Statehouse: Another Kansas opinion piece says legislators have weakened free-speech protections while the state marks its 250th anniversary, calling it a missed chance to defend rights. Public Health: Kansas lawmakers extended the governor’s hantavirus emergency through June 7 for three exposed residents being monitored after a cruise-linked exposure; all remain asymptomatic. Local Government: Douglas County commissioners delayed a new “EveryDay Counts” truancy program after a 2-2 vote, keeping the plan in limbo while nonprofits question how it’s being designed. Elections: Kansas voters have until June 1 at noon to switch or register party affiliation ahead of the Aug. 4 primary; filing deadlines also hit June 1. Higher Ed: Five Kansas public universities are seeking tuition increases of 3.5% to 6% as the Board of Regents prepares June votes. Sports & Gambling Regulation: Kansas-related AGs urged the CFTC to treat sports prediction markets as state-regulated gambling, not federal commodities oversight. Topeka Justice: A Topeka man was sentenced to 10 years for crimes tied to a Jan. 2025 officer-involved shooting, including aggravated assault and firearm offenses. Community Events: Topeka’s Special Olympics torch run drew law enforcement and raised money for athletes heading to Wichita.

Kansas Hantavirus Response: Kansas lawmakers approved extending Gov. Laura Kelly’s emergency declaration for three residents monitored after a hantavirus exposure linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship; the extension runs through June 7 as the state keeps patients in voluntary home isolation. Higher Ed Funding Fight: Five of six Kansas public universities are seeking in-state tuition increases (3.5% to 6%), while Emporia State proposes no increase again—warning that may not last as the Board of Regents faces new state cuts. Trans Youth Care Blocked: A Kansas judge issued a statewide temporary injunction against enforcing SB 63’s limits on gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth, saying it likely violates parental rights; AG Kris Kobach plans to appeal. Special Education Lawsuit: Four Johnson County districts announced plans to sue Kansas over more than 15 years of inadequate special education funding, arguing the Legislature shifted costs to districts and local taxpayers. Fraud Crackdown: A federal jury convicted Johnson County’s HealthSplash CEO Brett Blackman in a $1B Medicare fraud scheme targeting seniors. Public Safety & Security: Kansas City’s World Cup base will use anti-drone “hunter-catcher” tech and jamming tools to stop rival spying, as the federal government boosts World Cup security funding.

School Safety Clash in KC: Jackson County Chair Manny Abarca says he’s being targeted after Kansas City Public Schools restricted him from Paseo Academy, with officials citing “unsafe” behavior and a letter now driving the dispute. Federal Fraud Fallout: A jury convicted 3 people tied to an international email hacking scheme that hit 1,000+ victims and netted about $215 million—bringing the total to 25 convictions in the case. Western Kansas USPS Theft: Joyce L. Smith, a former USPS postmaster, pleaded guilty to stealing about $57,400 from USPS funds in Scott City, including cash, money orders, and unlogged customer checks. World Cup Cost Pressure: Fans are complaining about “sticker shock” for World Cup travel in Kansas City and other host cities, as transit and security add new fees. Rail Merger Pushback: Six state AGs urged the Surface Transportation Board to reject the UP–Norfolk Southern merger as incomplete. Local Governance Watch: Kansas City, Kansas loosened short-term rental rules for World Cup visitors, with only about 10 applications still under review.

THC Crackdown: Johnson County prosecutors charged seven people with distributing THC to minors after a four-year Olathe police and Kansas Drug Taskforce investigation, seizing about 22,000 illegal items worth roughly $750,000 from vape shops in Olathe and De Soto. Sports Crime Update: Three men tied to an international burglary ring targeting pro athletes—including Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce—were arrested in Argentina, with earlier reports linking the scheme to break-ins across multiple NFL homes. Kansas Health Watch: Three Kansans exposed to Andes hantavirus were discharged from KU Hospital and will keep isolating and be monitored; officials say there are still no confirmed cases in Kansas. Local Justice: A Leawood priest, Richard Storey, was charged with stealing more than $100,000 from Curé of Ars parish and ordered to house arrest with GPS monitoring. Abortion Courts: Arkansas’ near-total abortion ban fight continues as a judge revived the lawsuit in Pulaski County Circuit Court. World Cup Prep: U.S. roster news hit Southern California as Haji Wright and Cristian Roldan were named to Team USA for the 2026 World Cup.

Kansas Politics at the Supreme Court Crossroads: A low-key Kansas Supreme Court commission meeting is setting up an August decision that could reshape abortion access, education funding, and LGBTQ+ rights depending on whether justices are chosen through the merit-retention system or statewide elections. Public Safety: A Wichita traffic stop led to a major fentanyl bust—about 3,000 pills and nine firearms seized—sending an Alabama man to 72 months. Courts & Civic Trust: Democrats are vowing a redistricting counterpunch as Republicans build long-term advantages, with courts already undoing maps over procedure. Local Governance: Douglas County commissioners will consider a new truancy intervention program aimed at keeping elementary and middle school students out of the court pipeline. Crime Watch: Three men tied to a South American burglary ring targeting U.S. athletes, including Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, were arrested in Argentina.

Court Fight Over School Recall: Bourbon County Clerk Susan Walker sued to block a USD 235 recall petition, arguing Kansas law requires legal review before signatures and that the amended petition was never properly approved—plus she says the allegations about ballot errors are too vague. Memorial Day, Kansas Style: Emporia held an All Veterans Memorial ceremony, while Kansas City marked WWI’s 100-year remembrance with wreaths and new displays at Liberty Memorial. KCK Animal Rescue: KCK police say 30 abandoned dogs are now safe, fed, and getting care after renters vanished; investigators are still trying to determine why they were left without food or water. Kansas Politics: President Trump endorsed Senate President Ty Masterson for governor, a boost aimed at the Aug. GOP primary. Sports & Local Interest: Wyandotte County rededicated a Civil War monument honoring Black Union soldiers; and Kansas high school clay target athletes are set for state tournaments with 2,263 competitors statewide.

Kansas Politics: President Donald Trump has endorsed Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson for governor, a move that instantly elevates him in a crowded GOP primary and sets up a high-stakes Aug. 4 showdown. Elections & Power: The endorsement lands as Republicans keep tightening their grip on the House redistricting fight, while Democrats face tougher procedural hurdles in states with independent map commissions. Public Safety: In Wichita, the KBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting after a barricade standoff involving an armed suspect. Veterans Courts: A new report highlights how Veterans Treatment Courts can keep vets out of jail—but staffing losses and healthcare cuts are threatening the model. Sports & Culture: Lionel Messi’s World Cup scare is being reframed as fatigue-driven precaution, not a major hamstring injury, while Kansas City Chiefs buzz continues with more NFL trade talk. Local Notes: A McPherson County sheriff issued a holiday DUI warning after a driver was arrested for driving over twice the legal limit.

GOP Governor Race: President Donald Trump threw his weight behind Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, calling him a “fantastic candidate” and signaling major momentum heading into the Aug. 4 primary. Wichita Public Safety: The KBI is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Wichita after a barricade standoff where a suspect fired toward officers; authorities say SWAT, negotiators, drones, and an armored vehicle were used. Voting Crackdown: Kansas AG Kris Kobach says the state will prosecute more noncitizen voting cases, adding that more are “in the hopper” as the national fight over proof-of-citizenship registration continues. Local Budgets: Lawrence Transit’s sales tax is “critical” and could sunset in 2029 unless voters extend it—setting up a ballot fight in the next two election cycles. Courts & Health: KU Hospital Authority sued CVS over alleged diversion of nearly $62M in 340B drug savings, alleging retaliation after it sought an audit.